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Admission is FREE, and all donations go directly to support the Care to Share Cancer Support Group. Help us celebrate community, music, and giving back at this special 25th anniversary event.
Friday Night – Sept 26
Saturday – Sept 27: Packed with Events!
Please note: No pets are allowed at the event.
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Category Archives: Fort Scott
What’s Happening in Fort Scott Sept. 12 Edition
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USD234 Board of Ed News Release 9/12/25
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at 424 S Main.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
Board Minutes
08-11-25
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – August 20, 2025 – $1,556,743.36
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Orchestra Extended Trip
HS Powerlifting Fundraising
The Revenue Neutral Hearing was held at 5:30 PM, none were present during public forum.
The Budget Hearing was held at 5:45 PM, one public was present for clarification on Mill Levy.
The Board approved –
Resolution 25-10 – Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate
Resolution 24-11 – Make a local option percentage in an amount of 33% for the 25-26 school year.
The Board Approved the 2025-26 Budget with consideration of the Needs Assessment.
Superintendent Destry Brown gave an update on current enrollment as we are approaching the September 20th count day. The district has received the Patterson grant. At the High School the Hydroponic Farm is growing and the students are starting to harvest from their efforts.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided information on the Special Education Audit that has been finalized and the district did a wonderful job completing. The district financial audit will be starting September 22. Also, he updated the Board on each of the departments and the startup of the new school year. He also attended a Bus Safety training held with the district Bus Drivers.
Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on iReady testing and the growing data that we have received and soon should be able to share with parents. State has said there will be changes to some requirements for graduation starting next year and he will be collaborating with High School Principals as more information becomes available. He is also working with a few in the community with students walking to and from school and how to improve the safety and encouragement for students.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes provided a shared an update on the CatAid payment and information that she has been working on. We should receive our first payment next month.
Tracy Homan was recognized by Principal DJ Brown “Tracy Homan from FSMS goes above and beyond for kids. She has been instrumental in developing the student council program and is often seen at after-hours programs and events supporting students.”
Maintenance recognized Dusty Hood – “Dusty covered nearly 50 extra shifts at the end of last school year covering for absent staff. Dusty cleaned up for nearly all volleyball and basketball games/tournaments both after hours and on weekends last year. He is still covering his normal daytime shift at the Middle School this year plus 3 hours per night at the High School and another 1.5 hours per night at the Middle School and anywhere else we need him. He maintains an awesome relationship with his students and staff members. He helps lead the summer crew and he helps train any and all new custodial crew. Dusty is one of our most trusted and respected employees because of his hard work and dedication to the district. His positive attitude and “can do” mentality truly raised the bar in an exemplary manner. I wish we could find more than a piece of paper to distinguish what Dusty means to us staff members behind the scenes. We are forever indebted and grateful.”
Jennifer Durkin, Paraprofessional at Kansas Renewal Institute was recognized for her hard work and always being willing to jump in and help wherever needed. She loves the kids and is present for them every day.
Eugene Ware Principal, Mina Query, recognized Todd Magee, “Todd is a wonderful employee. He serves on Guiding Coalition, PBIS, and Team Tiger. He has such a positive attitude and never minds being silly for the kids. There are plenty of pictures out there from last year’s PBIS assemblies that show just how silly he is willing to be. Just check out his Maui photos on Facebook. He is a creative teacher who works hard to make learning seem like a game. I know a few students who got through their third-grade year because he was their teacher.”
The Board Approved the following items:
- Adult Meal Prices for 2025-26
- Adult Breakfast – $3.00
- Adult Lunch – $5.05
- MOU with FSCC for shared use of facilities
- Partnership agreement with Head Start
- One Year Lease agreement with Head Start
There were none present for public forum.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
September 11, 2025
See Attached Corrected Personnel Info:
2025-26 News Release 081125 (1).docx(1)
Agenda for the FS City Commission on September 16
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
September 16, 2025 – 6:00 P.M.
- Call to Order/Roll Call
- Pledge of Allegiance
III. Invocation
- Approval of Agenda
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1392-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of August 27, 2025 – September 9, 2025 – $ 532,945.19
- Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of September 2, 2025
- August Financials
- Request to Pay – Invoice 18192 – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – EEI Project No. 25-12 – E. National Project – Phase 1 – Preliminary 25% – Design – $12,937.50
- Public Comment
VII. Appearances
- Davin Reichard – Request for Parade Permit – Pioneer Harvest Fiesta – Oct. 2, 2025
VIII. Unfinished Business
- Discussion of Land Lease Agreement – M. Wells
- Discussion of Food Truck Ordinance
- Discussion of CHAMPS Bowl Game – B. Matkin
- New Business
Public Hearing:
- Consideration of Resolution No. 25-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 18 S. HOLBROOK – L. Kruger
- Consideration of Resolution No. 26-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 402 N. SHUTE – L. Kruger
- Consideration of Resolution No. 27-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 205 N. LINCOLN – L. Kruger
Action Items:
- Consideration to Trade 963 Track Loader – T. Coffman
- IT Update – S. Mitchell
- Discussion of Small Business Grant Incentive – M. Wyatt
- Planning, Housing and Business Development Update – M. Wyatt
- Consideration of Application – CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Grant – L. Dillon
- Consideration of Second Amendment to ER Funding Agreement – Approved by
Bourbon County Commission September 8, 2025
- Approval to go out for Codes Mowing Bids – 3-Years – B. Matkin
- Consideration of CCLIP Project Programming Request – J. Dickman
- Reports and Comments
- Adjourn
Fall Music Series Starts Sept. 27 at Common Ground Coffee Shop
The Sept. 13 Concert listed on this flyer is cancelled due to the illness of the performers.
Fall Music at Common Ground Coffee Shop, 12 E. Wall, is back.
“Bring a friend, grab your favorite latte, and enjoy the sound of fall at Common Ground,” said shop owner Stacy Racy. “We decided a couple of months ago to bring back the Fall Concert Series. We’ve done it in the past and it’s been well received, so we’re excited to do it again.”
“Join us this fall for evenings filled with live music, cozy drinks, and community vibes,” she said.
The live music shows are from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday evenings, and all ages are welcome.
Upcoming Shows:
The September 13 – Jesse Jack & The Electric String Band was cancelled due to illness.
September 27 – Vinyl Revival
October 11-Jerico Jones
October 25- Serenade
“We’ll have drinks, cookies, and food available for people to enjoy while they listen,’ she said. “We have some amazing local and regional musicians we love listening to, and we thought this would be a great way to give the community something to do on Saturday evenings through the fall.”
Music lovers might want to try some of the new menu items offered by the coffee shop staff as they listen to the music in the large stage area in a room adjacent to the public seating area.
“Our new menu items are going really well – that’s the biggest new thing right now, and we’re excited about the community response.”
For the live music nights, they will have their flatbreads, paninis, and chicken salad sandwiches along with cookies and drinks available for purchase, she said.
Fort Scott Community College Foundation Hosts Chamber Coffee
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First Southern Baptist Church Craft Fair This Weekend
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USD234 Trustees Meet on Sept. 11
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
September 11, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY PUBLIC
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing Budget Hearing with charts
4.1 Open Hearing (Action Item)
4.2 Hear from Patrons
4.3 Close Hearing (Action Item)
5.0 Budget Hearing (5:45 pm) – Review Code 99
5.1 Open Hearing (Action Item)
5.2 Hear from Patrons
5.3 Close Hearing (Action Item)
6.0 Resolution 24-08: Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate for financing the annual budget
for 2025-26 (Action Item)
7.0 Resolution 24-09: Make a Local Option Percentage in an amount of 33 percent for the
2025-26 school year (Action Item)
8.0 Approval of the 2025-26 Budget with Consideration of the Needs Assessment (Action Item)
9.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
9.1 Board Minutes
08-11-25
9.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
9.3 Check Register
9.4 Payroll – August 20, 2025 – $1,556,743.36
9.5 Activity Funds Accounts
9.6 USD 234 Gifts
9.7 Orchestra Extended Trip
9.8 HS Powerlifting Fundraising
10.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
10.1 Superintendent’s Report (Destry)
10.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report (Zach)
10.3 Assistant Superintendent’s Report (Terry)
10.4 Special Education Director’s Report
11.0 Employee Recognitions
12.0 New Business
12.1 Consideration of Adult Meal Prices for 2025-26 School Year
Adult Breakfast – $3.00 Adult Lunch – $5.05
12.2 Consideration of MOU with Fort Scott Community College for shared use of facilities
12.3 Consideration of Partnership Agreement with Head Start
12.4 Consideration of One-Year Lease Agreement Renewal with Head Start
13.0 Public Forum
14.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters – Time __________
13.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
13.2 Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)
15.0 Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time) David Stewart, President
FSHS Tiger Football invites you to their FSHS Pulled Pork Nacho Dinner: Football Game on Sept. 12
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What’s Happening in Fort Scott Sept. 5 Edition
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…
[Message clipped] View entire message
Unapproved Minutes of the FS City Commission Meeting on Sept. 2
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of September 2, 2025 Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Kathryn Salsbury, Tracy Dancer, Dyllon Olson, and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Tim Van Hoecke.
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc., Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Lisa Dillon/Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Michael Hoyt, Jack Welch, Zac Crumby, Patrick Barnes/Olsson, Diane Striler, Anne Dare, and Harold Martin.
VAN HOECKE led the Pledge of Allegiance and WELLS said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve the amended agenda with the addition of Ben Hart/BakerTilly/Appearances and the removal of Item D/New Business/Action Items – purchase of the skid steer. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consent Agenda
– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1391-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of August 13, 2025 – August 26, 2025 – $1,554,438.30
– Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of August 19, 2025
– Request to Pay – Invoice No. 527851 – Olsson – Project No. 024-06580 – FSK RSA Grading and Runway Lighting Project – AIP Project No. 3-20-0022-024/025-2025 – Design and Bidding (services rendered through February 1, 2025) – $41,850.00
– Approval of Resolution No. 20-2025 A RESOLUTION TO SUBMIT TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY, THE PROPOSITION OF LEVYING ONE-HALF PERCENT (0.5%) RETAILERS’ SALES TAX IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Public Comment
Harold Martin requested permission to comment during the discussion on the sale of lake lots which was granted.
Appearances
Zac Crumby – Request for Temporary Street Closure – Motorcycle Benefit Ride for KRI/Ride 4 Kids – September 13, 2025 – National to W. Oak from Wall St. – 3:00PM – 11:30PM – Last stop at Sharky’s.
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve the Temporary Street Closure for the ride for kids event from 3PM to 11:30PM on September 13, 2025 . WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Jack Welch – CHAMPS (H.O.T.) Heart of Texas Football Bowl
Welch, Founder and CEO of America’s Drug Free Productions, requested City sponsorship for the December 6th CHAMPS bowl game, a 501(c)(3) event promoting awareness on alcohol, drugs, bullying, and suicide. He seeks $30,000 in funding to cover team lodging and a banquet, though $20,000 would cover the game alone without the banquet. Ticket sales support future events. The game typically features a top Texas team against one from Kansas, Mississippi, or Arizona, though it would be canceled in case of bad weather. Welch will host the event at Frary Field.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to host the CHAMPS Heart of Texas Football Bowl with the City of Fort Scott with a donation to help cover those costs including the banquet of $30,000.00 out of the Special Alcohol/Drug Fund. OLSON seconded. VAN HOECKE, OLSON, and SALSBURY voted yes. WELLS and DANCER voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 3-2.
Ben Hart/Baker Tilly was available for Commissioners’ questions in preparation of the public hearing for the budget scheduled for September 16, 2025, including a 0.8 mill decrease.
New Business
Public Hearing:
Consideration of Resolution No. 21-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 102 N. BARBEE – L. Kruger
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to open the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
KRUGER gave a history of the structure as it pertains to code violations and Code’s Enforcement.
He stated the owner was unresponsive to outreach attempts, and the property is delinquent on
taxes. There we no other public comments.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to close the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve Resolution No. 21-2025 a resolution directing the removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure at 102 N. Barbee. OLSON seconded.
DANCER, SALSBURY, VAN HOECKE and OLSON voted yes. WELLS voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Consideration of Resolution No. 22-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 602 S. BARBEE – L. Kruger
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to open the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
KRUGER requested the item be tabled for another time because a gentleman has a contract with a realtor to buy the property. There we no other public comments.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to close the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to table the public hearing for 602 S. Barbee for (90) days. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Resolution No. 23-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 505 CLARK – L. Kruger
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to open the public hearing. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
KRUGER gave a history of the structure as it pertains to code violations and Code’s Enforcement. He stated the owner was contacted and expressed no interest in fixing the property.
No public comments.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to close the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve Resolution No. 23-2025 a resolution directing the removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure at 505 Clark. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Action Items:
Consideration of Olsson proposal to perform the design and bidding phase services for KDOT-KAIP (Project No. AV-2026-16) – Olsson Project No. 025-04135 – Patrick Barnes/Olsson
BARNES presented the proposal from Olson to design and perform bidding services for taxiway lighting at the Fort Scott Municipal Airport was presented. The project is funded by a KDOT grant with a 90/10 split. He was present to answer questions.
MOTION: WELLS moved to allow Olsson to move forward. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Overview of MIH Grant Application as it relates to the proposal advertised for qualified residential developers (Applications due September 20, 2025) – L. Dillon
DILLON appeared to request permission to apply the MIH grant along with the Kansas Housing Investor
Tax Credit (KHITC). She stated that a Request for Proposals has been advertised and approximately (4) developers are interested. The grant being sought is $650,000, with approximately 10% allocated for down
payment assistance for moderate-income housing.
MOTION: WELLS moved to give permission to go after the MIH and KHITC grants. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Discussion of the Sale of Lake Lots – L. Dillon
DILLON stated that an individual had inquired about purchasing lake lots and wanted to know the process. Discussion was had about the remaining that were still open and owned by the City, and the previous sales. The Commission concluded that the topic and process needed to be discussed and reevaluated in the future.
MARTIN commented that he was encouraged that the Commission was taking a cautious approach on making the decision for further sales of lake lots. He expressed his concern about the health of the lake and recommended that they consider doing a bathymetric survey, environmental impact study and regular water quality testing. He also expressed concern about the sewer system and lift station at the lake regarding its ability to manage an increase of residents. He has brought these items to the City’s attention several times in the past.
Discussion was had on encroachment on City property and improvements at the lake.
MATKIN left the meeting at 7:01PM and returned at 7:03PM.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to table the lake lot discussion until another time in the future, based on our previous procedures of selling lake lots, or until such matter is brought up again. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Resolution No. 24-2025 A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS AUTHORIZING THE REDEMPTION AND PAYMENT OF ITS TAXABLE INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BONDS, SERIES A, 2014 AND SERIES B, 2014 (SLEEP INN AND SUITES HOTEL PROJECT) AND THE SALE AND CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY TO FS HOSPITALITY GROUP, LLC
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve Resolution No. 24-2025. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Chip Seal Payment
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to accept the offer from Bettis for the Chip Seal payment at the reduced rate of $201,000.00 Olsson. DANCER seconded. DANCER, SALSBURY, VAN HOECKE and OLSON voted yes. WELLS voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Consideration of 99-Year Land Lease Agreement – M. Wells
MOTION: WELLS moved to table the discussion until September 16, 2025. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Reports and Comments
CITY ENGINEER
– E. National Project Update
– Davis Lift Station
CITY ATTORNEY – Observation on American Legion representative for the car show, thorough and appreciative.
FARMER left the meeting 7:13PM and returned at 7:15PM
CITY MANAGER
– Franchise fees with Evergy – agreement expires February 2026
– Milling of Lee Circle Drive and Crescent Drive
– Curb and guttering work on Eddy Street
– 100th Year Celebration of Memorial Hall, Friday, Sept. 5 – 11:30AM
– Organizational chart for DANCER coming this week
– Memorial Hall renovation scope of work to come
ACTION: MATKIN will provide a Scope of Work for Memorial Hall project for bond consideration by September 16, 2025, meeting.
COMMISSIONER WELLS
– Additional activities on Skubitz Plaza
– Concerns about Lake Patrol and camping area improvements
– Evergy franchise agreement
– Bettis Asphalt
– Memorial Hall in combination with Library expansion for bond
COMMISSIONER OLSON
– Comments regarding city events and Commission is doing a good job
COMMISSIONER SALSBURY – No comments
COMMISSIONER DANCER
– Moody building status
– Revisit food truck ordinance September 16, 2025
– Sidewalk improvement in downtown district (mostly south side)
– Budget reports feedback to come Monday, September 8, 2025
ACTION: CITY CLERK to put food truck ordinance on September 16, 2025. MATKIN will look for SALSBURY’S submitted suggestions for the ordinance.
ACTION: DANCER will talk with MATKIN regarding the budget reports he is requesting.
COMMISSIONER VAN HOECKE
– Response to comments made by WELLS
Adjourn
MOTION: OLSON moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:36PM. DANCER seconded.
SEPTEMBER 2, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:36PM.
Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Opens Following Successful Kansas Licensure Survey
Up and Running
FORT SCOTT, Kan. – As of 9:00 am Thursday, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. is open for business.
The official opening follows the successful completion of the Kansas Licensure Survey. This milestone marks a significant step forward in Freeman’s mission to expand access to high-quality, compassionate healthcare throughout Southeast Kansas.
“This has been an exciting, and very long journey with many working diligently to support the reopening of this hospital! The overwhelming support and positive response from the community has been humbling and we are so honored to join the Fort Scott community and reopen a hospital and emergency department for the Bourbon County residents, assuring they have access to inpatient and emergency care,” said Renee Denton, Chief Executive Officer of Rural Hospitals.
The last time Fort Scott residents enjoyed access to a full-service, hometown-based hospital was 2018, which has forced local residents to seek medical treatment in communities 30-plus minutes away.
“We are thrilled to open our doors in Fort Scott and begin serving this vibrant community,” said Matt Fry, Freeman Health System President and Chief Executive Officer. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication, collaboration, and tireless efforts of community stakeholders and our entire team. We are deeply proud to bring Freeman’s standard of care to the people of Southeast Kansas.”
Freeman officials first announced the six-bed emergency department and 10-bed acute care hospital – located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. – to a crowd of nearly 150 local residents in June 2024.
“We had a staff huddle this morning and I told them, ‘It’s a great day to open a hospital,’” said Anita Walden, Chief Administrative Officer at Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. “Today is the culmination of 14 months in the making, and it’s been a lot of hard work by a lot of people to make today even possible. Of course, the support from the citizens of this community and from Bourbon County has been overwhelming.
“Our success will be dependent on the community utilizing the services of our hospital,” she added.
Freeman officials were notified Wednesday evening that the hospital had successfully passed the Kansas licensure survey. The survey is a rigorous process that ensures hospitals meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and patient care. Passing this survey affirms Freeman’s readiness to provide exceptional healthcare services in Fort Scott — and reflects the strength of the organization’s culture and commitment to excellence. Now, attention turns to passing a credentialing survey conducted by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) officials.
Freeman Fort Scott Hospital offers a range of services designed to meet the needs of the local community, with a focus on accessibility, innovation, and personalized care. The opening represents not only a physical expansion, but also a cultural one — reinforcing Freeman’s values of compassion, collaboration, and community investment.
Freeman Health System extends its heartfelt thanks to every team and community member who contributed to this achievement. Their dedication and teamwork made this moment possible — and their continued efforts will shape the future of healthcare in the region.
For more information about Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. and the services offered, visit freemanhealth.com.
###
About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2025, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers and their experiences. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.